Waterproof container



Oct. 19,1943. N, J MQLL 2,332,245

WATERPROOF CONTAINER Filed June 21, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 19, 1943.

N. J. MOLL 2,332,245

WATERPROOF CONTAINER Filed June 21, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q I HI "H" Patented Oct. 19, 1943 WATERPROOF CONTAINER Norman J. Moll, Washington, D. C.

Application June 21, 1941, Serial No. 399,188

2 Claims.

This invention relates to portable receptacles or containers and more particularly to units of a character adapted to provide for positive and definite exclusion of fluids whether in gaseous, vapor or liquid form.

More particularly, the structure finds primary utility in affording a fluid-tight encasement for articles which it is desired to maintain in original condition even though the structure may be totally and bodily submerged in a liquid or surrounded by destructive gas or vapor. Its largest use may be at bathing resorts or on shipboard where the bather, in the first case, may desire to carry smoking paraphernalia, such as matches, cigarettes, tobacco and the like, cosmetics, powder, etc., currency, small change, tickets, or other valuable papers or in the case of the latter, where sea-going persons may be subjected to exposure to the elements or to submersion in the water, it may be desirable to carry and protect first aid objects, medicines, etc. Under both conditions aforementioned, it may be necessary to carry the objects on the person of the user and the structure is calculated to afford a safe depository which may be easily and. readily carried secured to the clothing of the individual whether bathing clothing or otherwise.

In the case of submersible structures, it is highly desirable that they be absolutely liquid tight. While such containers are known, they are generally of such structural character as to involve excessive gasketing requiring careful seating of the cooperating closure. This being dependent upon the personal element of the one using the object, improper application of the cover or closure results in disruption of.the gasket and ultimately the container loses its efficacy. In addition, securement of the closure is usually effected by a fastener lacking continuous pressure imposition so that the liquid tightness of the receptacle is lost after several uses.

With the above in view, it is an object of this invention to provide a portable receptacle or container structure embodying preferably a one-piece body and a cooperable closure or cover having such an interengagement therewith that the assembly of the two will provide an effective water sealing structure.

Another object is to provide a container including several compartments capable of accommodating variously shaped articles in compact arrangement.

seal so as to definitely and positively avoid injury or contamination of the enclosed articles.

Another object is to provide a novel fastening arrangement for the closure which will afford a decided mechanical advantage in its movement to closed position so as to provide for substantial imposition of pressure on the sealing structure.

In carrying out the sealing effect above referred to, it is proposed to vary the internal volumetric displacement of the interior of the receptacle in closing it and in opening it. Such variation may provide an internal pressure which may impede quick placement of the closure. Upon opening of the closure, an internal negative pressure may result. Thus, it is desirable to provide for ready venting of the interior during both aforesaid operations and it is accordingly another object to provide a venting arrangement for effecting pressure relief.

A further object is to so efiect venting as to be of minimum effort and annoyance to the user and it is accordingly proposed to effect the venting control at the proper time more or less automatically so that the personal element is of no consequence. Thus, the venting has been so coordinated with the operation of the fastening and unfastening of the closure that it must take place upon such fastening and unfastening.

Obviously, if the interior of the receptacle is to be vented, the vent must likewise be sealed upon closing of the receptacle to prevent access of any surrounding fluid to the interior. It is, accordingly, a still further object to provide an effective sealing arrangement for' such vent.

It may be desirable to so secure the receptacle to the clothing of a user as to provide for ready yielding movement thereof in supported condition so that should it be struck or bumped while thus supported, it will not be so easily or readily removed from the person. Accordingly, another object contemplates securing arrangement providing for such yielding anchorage.

While the structure is most adaptable for the use hereinbefore noted, it readily lends itself for adaptation in protecting contained articles from destruction surrounding gaseous atmosphere such as may be encountered in modern Warfare or in rescue work in' mines, fires, etc.

With the above in view, other objects and advantages will appear from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of one side of a receptacle embodying features of this invention and showing hinging and fastening of the cover with the latter in closed position with a fragment of the cover shown in section:

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the receptacle in the condition shown in Figure 1:

Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the container showing the fastening arrangement whereby the same may be secured to the clothing 01 a user Figure 4 is an enlarged section taken along the line 4-3 of Figure 2 showing the novel closure fastener and venting details;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the receptacle with' the closure open and swung out from the body of the receptacle on its hinge;

Figure 6 is a plan view looking down into the open receptacle body with the cover omitted: and

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the interior of the cover taken along the line 1-1 of Figure 5, viewed in the direction of the arrows thereon.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the receptacle comprises a body I preferably of sufficient depth to accommodate several articles of the average size of packaged cigarettes and of suflicient width and length to store packages of about two to three times the size of the average cigarette package. These dimensions may be onthe order of 21%" x 2%" x 3%,".

Obviously, these comparisons for size and dimensions are not critical and are only exemplary and they may materially vary according to the utility and purpose of the receptacle. The entire receptacle may be formed of metal, rubber and its derivatives or any of the modern plastics which may have the requisite strength for the purpose. For purposes of illustration, the receptacle is formed of metal. Approximately two-thirds of the depth of the body I0 from the bottom, the body is provided with an external peripheral bead H which serves as a limiting stop for the lower edge of a cover l2 and protects the wearer of the device from coming in contact with the sharp edge of the cover. The neck portion II of the body l0 above the bead receives the cover |2 in telescopic relation and preferably is received by the cover so that its upper open edge terminates adjacent the interior of its top. It is preferable that the telescopic relationship be a tight as may be consonant with ready and smooth assembly and removal of the closure with respect to the body.

At one end, the body I0 is provided with a vertically extending spaced strip I4 having its ends suitably secured to the body preferably by welding although other methods and means may be employed. The closure I! has suitably secured thereto, as by welding IS on the cooperating side, the upper ends of the legs IQ of a hinge wire loop II, the connecting or bight portion ll of which is received in the space between strip l3 and the body for sliding movement therealong preferably to the full extent of the strip, the latter being of sufficient height on the body adjacent the bead H to permit of vertical displacement of the closure upwardly until the lower edge of the closure clears the upper open end of the body so that it may be swung away as is clearly I shown in Figure 5. This arrangement provides a substantial sliding and swinging hinging structure.

Referring more particularly to Figures 1, and 7, the interior of the top of closure I2 is provided with a downwardly directed strip l3 suitably secured along its upper edge to the top by welding. soldering or otherwise and this strip is preferably spaced inwardly of the peripheral walls of the closure to provide a channel to receive a suitable gasket 20. Preferably, this gasket 20 is narrower than the depth of the channel so as not to fill it entirely, thus permitting the strip to extend below the gasket. Such projection of the strip provides an effective guiding medium for the upper edge of the open end of the body l0 so as to insure proper disposition thereof in the 10 gasket channel and further to provide for guiding limitation of the expanded or compressed gasket, the latter insuring avoidance of shearing of what would otherwise be extended or overhanging gasket material. These two functional 5 attributes provide materially for longer gasket life.

The front wall of the closure is provided about midway thereof with a horizontal bearing 2| which receives for pivotal movement therein the upper horizontal portion of a preferably wire loop 22, the lowerhorizontal portion of which has pivotally connected thereto at bearing 23 a strap 24. The inner face of this strap at its upper end and adjacent the bearing 23 has a projection or 251118 25 suitably secured thereto and the upper edge of this lug is angularly inclined upwardly away from the strap. The wall of the body l0 adjacent the strap and in opposition to lug 25 is provided with a downwardly directed lug 26 and 30 its under edge is inclined toward the body from the tip. These lugs 25 and-26 cooperate in effecting a camming closing of the closure I2, the inclined cooperating lug faces at 21 providing an ideal fulcrum eflect. Adjacent its lower end, strap 23 embraces a screw-bolt 28 having an outer knurled or milled head 23 and an inner threaded end 30. The shank of bolt 23 is so cooperatively engaged in strap 24 as to freely rotate therein without longitudinal displacement.

At a point opposite to the bolt 28 when in lowered position, the body I0 is provided with a depressed seat 3| (see Figure 4) having at its center an opening 32 providing a communicating passage between the interior and exterior of the receptacle. A suitable packing gland or washer 33 is seated in the bottom of seat 3| and may have a similar or slightly larger opening centrally therethrough aligned with opening 32 but considerably smaller than the end 34 of bolt 23 which, for better cooperation with the gland 33 is preferably semi-spherically shaped. .A nut 35 of an exterior configuration complementary to seat 3| is suitably secured as by welding partially within the seat 3| so as to adequately confine gland 33. Bolt 23 is adapted to thread into the threaded opening in nut 33 and through it to have its end 34 engage the gland 33 to act as a valve to close the opening 32.

From the structure thus far described, it will be evident that the cover I2 is slid over the upper end of the body I! to seat it thereon. As the cover is slipped or slid home, the excess air entrapped in the receptacle may escape to the open atmosphere through the opening 32. When the uppenedge of the body has been guided onto the gasket 23 by strip l3, strap 23 is swung so as to cause the upper edge of lug 23 to engage under ing 23. Strap 23 is then swung downwardly to draw the closure tightly onto the top open end of body I. until the bolt 23 is in a position to engage nut 33. At this time. gasket 23 is under sufficient compression to seal the interior of the receptacle at the extreme top. The bolt 23 is then turned home and as it reaches its limit, it compresses gland 33, thus eifectively closing oil 44 (see Figures 3 and 6). Since the pivot point opening 32 and completing sealing of the interior of the receptacle. To avoid catching of the upper surface of lug 2ft with the under surface of lug 25, should strap be suspended when the closure is being telescoped onto the body ID, the former lug is formed with an incline 36 while the latter lug has a similar incline 31. Thus, the lugs may readily pass under these conditions.

Since the engagement between closure and body is telescopic and the gasket 20 is at the extreme top of the body, the closure has a substantial depending flange surrounding the upper end of body In. While it is preferable that the fit between this flange and body be tight in character, it must not interfere with ready slippage of the two parts. Accordingly, a space will result between the cover flange and body. Should the receptacle become immersed in liquid, any liquid rising into the space with the receptacle in upright position, air entrapped in the space will be compressed therein and the back pressure thus effected will aid in keeping liquid out. Thus, a double seal is obtained, the gasket 20 being further effective in its own capacity. Should the entrapped air escape when the receptacle is inverted, the gasket 20 will alone be effective to seal the interior of the receptacle. When-it is desired to open the receptacle, unthreading of the bolt 28 from the nut 35 will at once vent the interior of the receptacle, and the closure upon separation of lugs 25 and 26, may be readily removed as additional air from the exterior will be admitted through opening 32, thus relieving any interior negative pressure that might otherwise obtain.

For purposes of accommodating book matches or similar articles, coins, rolled or folded currency, emergency flat bandages, etc., the interior of body may have a bafile plate 38 extending thereacross preferably adjacent the rear wall of the body and this plate may terminate in a bottom suitably secured to the wall to form a trough 39. This trough should preferably be located at a median point on the rear wall but, if desired, it may have its open upper end in the same plane as the upper end of the body It), so that the top of the closure will act' to close it off as well.

For purposes of attachment of the receptacle to the clothing of a user, the rear wall has attached thereto preferably at the predetermined point of balance of the receptacle, a fastener 40 which may have a body 4| having one resilient leg 42 protruding therefrom toward a rigid leg 43, leg 42 being adapted to be sprung under and into a suitable seat provided in leg 43. The resilient leg 42 may be forced through the material of clothing of a user although it is preferable that the extreme end of leg 42 be not too sharp. At the same time, the ends may be interengaged and a belt or strap passed therethrough for support of the container. To avoid damage to the container or receptacle, to the clothing to which fastener 40 may be attached or to a person or object againstwhich the receptacle may strike or collide, it is preferable that the body ll of the fastener 40 be yieldably connected to the receptacle and to this end. the body M is secured to body "I of the receptacle by a pivot is at the balance point of the receptacle, it will readily yield rotatably when struck.

Thus, by the incorporation of the above-noted improvements, there has been provided a fluidtight receptacle embodying substantial sealing while at the same time providing for venting of the interior rendering placing and displacing the closure easy, although the closure and body are telescoped for substantial portions. A closure fastener providing for substantial mechanical advantage is employed rendering tight gasket seating with comparatively small operating effeet. The closure fastener is positively secured against accidentaldisplacement and constitutes an essential part of the venting arrangement and affords practically automatic assurance of venting control inasmuch as it constitutes the last operation in securing the closure and the very first in releasing it for opening. 'The attaching or supporting arrangement is such as to avoid any danger due to collision.

While a preferred embodiment has been disclosed, it is to be understood that it is not intended to be limited in character or nature. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention or the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A receptacle closure fastener device comprising a seat in said receptacle, a vent opening in said seat providing communication between the interior and exterior of the receptacle, a packing gland in said seat surrounding said opening, a keeper associated with said receptacle at said seat including a threaded opening in alignment with said vent opening, a link carried by the closure, a lever carried by the link, 9. lug on the receptacle, a cooperating lug on said lever, said lugs being adapted to be brought into engagement with each other and providing a fulcrum for the lever whereby the closure may be forcibly seated on the receptacle and so retained, a screw-bolt freely rotatably carried. by said lever at its effort end and adapted to be received by the threaded opening in the keeper, and a tip on said screw-bolt adapted to engage said gland to seal ofl. the vent opening concurrently with securing the lever.

2. A receptacle closure fastener device comprising a seat in said receptacle, a vent opening in said seat providing communicating between the interior and exterior of the receptacle, a keeper associated with said receptacle at said seat, a link carried by the closure, a lever carried by the link, 9. lug on the receptacle, a cooperating lug on said lever, said lugs being adapted to be brought into engagement with each other and providing a fulcrum for the lever whereby the closure may be forcibly seated on the receptacle and so retained, a member carried by the lever, cooperating means between said keeper and said member adapted to interengage to retain said lever in secured position, and means on said member to contact said seat and seal said vent opening.

I NORMAN J. MOLL. 

